TIP! The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball.

In order to play basketball well, you need to understand how to become a great basketball player. How can you think you’re going to be a wonderful basketball player when you don’t bother to research? Read on and learn some nifty tricks from the experts of basketball.

TIP! Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss.

You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Defense is essential to winning these games. While offensive players sometimes seem like the stars of the show, it is the efforts of defensive players that allow them to shine.

Paying Attention

TIP! If you get injured while playing basketball, do not try to play through the pain. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury.

When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet. Take you ball with you everywhere. Whenever you are walking and it is appropriate, dribble there. Paying attention to the ball means you’re not paying attention to the rest of the game.

TIP! Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised.

Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.

TIP! You can improve your control of the ball by spreading your fingers. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times.

Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. Sometimes you cannot find a team of people to play basketball with. That is okay. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. You can practice many different techniques, such as your free throw routine. You can always practice.

TIP! Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs. A core that is not strong enough limits the linkage between arms and legs. Building a solid core helps maintain the leg strength that lies at the core of a strong game.

TIP! To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. So, if you shoot using your left hand, launch with your right foot.

In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. The key to this relies on having good footwork.

TIP! You must have a consistent practice routine if you want to learn to shoot free throws well. Inconsistency will ruin your shots.

A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game. Be honest in your assessment but not overly critical. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.

TIP! Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling.

Making a pass from between your legs is sometimes a good option when the opposing team is right on top of you. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward. Mastering this skill will provide you with a major advantage on the court.

TIP! To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball.

When you are passing the ball, get used to looking in the other direction. This should befuddle your opponent. When you do this right, looking this way will make the opponents go to the wrong place so that when you pass the other person has a better chance at making a shot. It can be a really powerful move in the game.

TIP! Ensure that you have good court awareness. This isn’t just so you can read the scoreboard and be able to make shots and catch passes.

Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. Soon enough you will develop those weak hand dribbling skills.

TIP! To help make the offense flow better it is a good idea to alter the pace. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up.

Being a good defensive player means disrupting the game of your opponent. Take them out of their own comfort zone. Be assertive and focused within the rules, aggressively keeping your player off balance. Do not allow them to decide which plays to make. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. Instead, disrupt their rhythm by making the first move.

TIP! When you are on the defense, the key is to stay as low as you can. This stance will keep you ready for whatever comes your way.

Gain pride and confidence by learning how to play the game with skill. That is, unrivaled by any other except for reading all you can and learning how to better your basketball game. Have fun impressing your teammates with your new skills and win all the games you can.